Entry Level Network Career

Hello group, this is a first time post for me and I have confidence that somebody out there can help me.
I am attending a two year program and its getting close to the end. I currently hold a decent GPA, and am looking forward to starting a new career. My current job is not in the technical field, so I know I will have to make a big change soon (internship). My question is if I take my A+ cert, will that give me a better chance to land a job that has the upward mobility, or allow me to further my education in Networking. I have been told that the best start into a networking career is to start at a help desk and work my way up. I am more then willing to do that, but most jobs that I have seen on the entry level side means a pay cut. I know that sacrifice is needed for anything that you enjoy doing, I would like some insight on the best way to approach the Networking field for the best results. I have also been told that Microsoft certs are designed for people already in the field. Is that true.
Please help trying to set a realistic path.

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While investing in certifications is a good I am not sure that A+ would help move you up quickly.
A+ and other similar certs can help get you the first job. Once thing to look at is what is covered by each certification and how that knowledge makes you more desirable.
A+ relates to the use and care of operating systems and PC hardware.
Net+ relates to connectivity of a PC to other PC local and remote
CCNA, relates to internetworking using Cisco hardware
ITIL, provides a stand approach to manage and support IT
Keep in mind that my definitions are brief, it is best to go to the organization who owns the certification and review the actual criteria.
If you plan it correctly you can use one certification as a stepping stone to the next. Showing an understanding of all parts of networking and network support.
Don't forget management and interpersonal skills.
Certifications that may help you move to the top of the pile are ones that are harder to achieve, CCIE, PMP, CCISP and so on. Given the economic conditions hard work will also be required.
I am sure it is obvious however I will say it. When times are good it is easier to move up the ladder, when times are harder there are fewer positions with fewer opportunities for advancement.
Good luck,

kbart127, Entering the networking field requires that you keep up with
recent hardware, software, desktop OS, ext. changes.
Before you graduate try working in your college or university computer lab.
It will basic build basic experience that will translate into a
professional reference and proven basic computer skills.
Yes, A+ certification is a great start. Do not stop there also obtain and
Network certification(Comptia Net+) and if possible a server certification.
The bottom line invest in your self. Stay current with new technology, get
and updated and edited resume with all the new certifications and skills
you've acquired. Be ready and available when opportunities arise.

Hi Kbar,
A+ Certification is only first step in networking. You can take up any CISCO
certifications that will help you lot in networking field. More over you
will get a good pay if you are certified in CCNA or CCNP with very little
experience.
Sangeetha
Training Head
Global Netech
Ph: 25432840

I complete my b.tech This Year
(COMPUTER SCIENCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-2005-09 Batch JNTU)
i am thinking to OPT networking Field..........i started prepration CCNA
i want to start my career with CISCO
coz i need to get a job and well settle in my CAREER with good payscale

will NETWORKING help to do that ---------WITH MY DEVOTION to it

i am in a Ambiguios State ......
after changing my mind fromVIDEO EDITNG field (which first i
thought to learn FCP)

Thank you so much for the advice. Some ofthe certs you mentioned I didnt know what they were. Upon further research I really beleave that with the right plan I will be able to use any and all certs to my advantage. Like you said hard work is the key.